This meeting initiated a dialogue amongst WBF members on the development of a comprehensive set of recommendations to policy-makers and the private sector for boosting women’s entrepreneurship and employment in the MENA region.

Key themes:

Developing an analytical framework for assessing policy support for women’s entrepreneurship and employment

Conducting country assessments against this framework, in close collaboration with WBF members

Sharing best practices testimonies and case material from MENA and non-MENA economies

Discussing the potential governance structure of the WBF to steer work priorities and achieve impact on the ground

H.E. Ms. Melanne Verveer, the United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues, delivered the opening address. Distinguished speakers included Ms. Leila Khaiat, Honorary World President, World Association of Women Entrepreneurs, First Vice President, Council of Arab Business Women, Tunisia, Dr. Soukeina Bouraoui, Executive Manager, Centre of Arab Women for Training and Research (CAWTAR), Tunisia, Ms. Francoise Foning, World President, World Association of Women Entrepreneurs, and many others.